free
free
Free (adj) means not under the control of someone else; not imprisoned or restricted. Example: “After years of conflict, the country finally became free.”
adj
1
Not under the control of someone else; not imprisoned or restricted.
"After years of conflict, the country finally became free."
"The bird was set free from its cage."
"She felt free at last after leaving the strict boarding school."
2
Costing nothing; available without payment.
"The museum is free on the first Sunday of every month."
"They gave out free samples at the supermarket entrance."
"Children under five travel free on the buses here."
3
Not currently occupied or in use.
"Is this seat free, or is someone sitting there?"
"I will be free after lunch if you want to meet."
"Is the bathroom free, or is somebody still in there?"
verb
1
To release someone or something from confinement or restriction.
"The activists campaigned for years to free the wrongly convicted man."
"The new software update freed up a lot of storage space."
"The firefighters worked quickly to free the kitten stuck in the tree."
How to use free
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNot restricted or controlled, or costing nothing.
Common mistake
Don't confuse "free" (no cost) with "freed" (released) — "a free prisoner" sounds odd; you'd say "a freed prisoner."
Common pairings
free of charge
set someone free
free time
free will
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- frees
- Past tense
- freed
- Comparative
- freer, more free
- Superlative
- freest, most free
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
After years of conflict, the country finally became _____.
Etymology
From Old English freo, ultimately from a Proto-Germanic root meaning "beloved, not in bondage" — the same root that gives us "friend." The core Indo-European idea was "dear" or "loved," which in Germanic languages narrowed to mean someone who belonged to the tribe, as opposed to a captive or slave.
Synonyms
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liberated
at liberty
independent
unrestricted
emancipated
unconfined
disengage
absolve
discharge
resign
liberate
relinquish
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for free
See all rhymes for free →Frequently asked questions
What does “free” mean?
The word “free” means not under the control of someone else; not imprisoned or restricted. In plain terms, not restricted or controlled, or costing nothing.
How do you pronounce “free”?
“Free” is pronounced free (/fɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “free” in a sentence?
Here is “free” used in a sentence: “After years of conflict, the country finally became free.”
What is another word for “free”?
Words with a similar meaning to “free” include befree, emancipate, let loose, liberate, manumit and release.
What is the opposite of “free”?
The opposite of “free” — its antonyms — is unfree.
What part of speech is “free”?
Depending on how it is used, “free” can be an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “free” come from?
The word “free” comes from Old English.
Is “free” a common word?
“Free” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between the two meanings of 'free'?
'Free' has two main senses. This entry means not controlled or restricted — at liberty, as in 'free to leave' or 'a free country.' The other common sense means costing nothing, as in 'free samples.' Context decides which applies: freedom from control versus freedom from charge.
What is the difference between free and liberated?
Both describe not being under control, but 'liberated' stresses having been set free from previous captivity or oppression, implying a change of state. 'Free' simply describes the condition of not being restricted, whether or not there was ever a struggle. A liberated prisoner becomes a free person.
What is the opposite of free?
In this sense the opposites include 'captive,' 'imprisoned,' 'confined,' 'bound,' and 'restricted.' 'Enslaved' is a strong antonym where freedom means self-determination. Each describes being under someone else's control or physically held, the reverse of being able to move and act as one chooses.
Why is freedom important?
Freedom lets people make their own choices, express themselves, and live without unjust control or fear. It underpins many rights and is widely valued as essential to human dignity. Being free to think, speak, and act — within fair limits that protect others — is central to a just society.
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